Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes, 12273-12276 [2023-03924]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 38 / Monday, February 27, 2023 / Proposed Rules ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS (10) Weather; (11) Operation at night, if requested; (12) Energy storage system capacity; and (13) Aircraft to pilot ratio. (c) Tests must include the most adverse combinations of the conditions and configurations in paragraph (b) of this section. (d) Tests must show a distribution of the different flight profiles and routes representative of the type of operations identified in the CONOPS. (e) Tests must be conducted in conditions consistent with the expected environmental conditions identified in the CONOPS, including electromagnetic interference (EMI) and high intensity radiated fields (HIRF). (f) Tests must not require exceptional piloting skill or alertness. (g) Any UAS used for testing must be subject to the same worst-case ground handling, shipping, and transportation loads as those allowed in service. (h) Any UA used for testing must use AE that meet, but do not exceed, the minimum specifications identified under D&R.105. If multiple AE are identified, the applicant must demonstrate each configuration. (i) Any UAS used for testing must be maintained and operated in accordance with the ICA and UA flight manual. No maintenance beyond the intervals established in the ICA will be allowed to show compliance with this section. (j) If cargo operations or external-load operations are requested, tests must show, throughout the flight envelope and with the cargo or the external load at the most critical combinations of weight and center of gravity, that— (1) The UA is safely controllable and maneuverable; and (2) The cargo or the external load is retainable and transportable. D&R.305 Probable Failures The UA must be designed such that a probable failure will not result in a loss of containment or control of the UA. This must be demonstrated by test. (a) Probable failures related to the following equipment, at a minimum, must be addressed: (1) Propulsion systems; (2) C2 link; (3) Global Positioning System (GPS); (4) Flight control components with a single point of failure; (5) Control station; and (6) Any other AE identified by the applicant. (b) Any UA used for testing must be operated in accordance with the UA Flight Manual. (c) Each test must occur at the critical phase and mode of flight, and at the highest aircraft-to-pilot ratio. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:44 Feb 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 12273 D&R.310 Capabilities and Functions DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (a) All of the following required UAS capabilities and functions must be demonstrated by test: (1) Capability to regain command and control of the UA after the C2 link has been lost. (2) Capability of the electrical system to power all UA systems and payloads. (3) Ability for the pilot to safely discontinue the flight. (4) Ability for the pilot to dynamically re-route the UA. (5) Ability to safely abort a takeoff. (6) Ability to safely abort a landing and initiate a go-around. (b) The following UAS capabilities and functions, if requested for approval, must be demonstrated by test: (1) Continued flight after degradation of the propulsion system. (2) Geo-fencing that contains the UA within a designated area, in all operating conditions. (3) Positive transfer of the UA between control stations that ensures only one control station can control the UA at a time. (4) Capability to release an external cargo load to prevent loss of control of the UA. (5) Capability to detect and avoid other aircraft and obstacles. (c) The UA must be designed to safeguard against inadvertent discontinuation of the flight and inadvertent release of cargo or external load. Federal Aviation Administration D&R.315 Fatigue The structure of the UA must be shown to withstand the repeated loads expected during its service life without failure. A life limit for the airframe must be established, demonstrated by test, and included in the ICA. D&R.320 Verification of Limits The performance, maneuverability, stability, and control of the UA within the flight envelope described in the UA Flight Manual must be demonstrated at a minimum of 5% over maximum gross weight with no loss of control or loss of flight. Issued in Washington, DC, on February 2, 2023. James David Foltz, Acting Manager, Strategic Policy Management, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–03890 Filed 2–24–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–0421; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01360–A] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC–12, PC–12/45, PC–12/47, and PC–12/47E airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as insufficient grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system (VCCS) compressor/condenser. This proposed AD would require inspecting the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at frame 37, including the attachment parts, and depending on the inspection results, corrective action. This proposed AD would also require modifying the installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power return cables and installing an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by April 13, 2023. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–0421; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\27FEP1.SGM 27FEP1 12274 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 38 / Monday, February 27, 2023 / Proposed Rules contains this NPRM, the MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support General Aviation, CH–6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: techsupport.ch@pilatus-aircraft.com; website: pilatus-aircraft.com. • You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329–4059; email: doug.rudolph@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2023–0421; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01360–A’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:44 Feb 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022–0212, dated October 18, 2022 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition on certain serial-numbered Pilatus Model PC–12, PC–12/45, PC–12/47, and PC–12/47E airplanes. The MCAI was prompted by a reported occurrence of a burning odor coming from the air conditioning vents during the climb phase of a Pilatus Model PC–12/47E airplane. An investigation identified that insufficient grounding of the VCCS compressor/ condenser at frame 37 resulted in severe heat damage to the baseplate and adjacent metal support structure. It was determined that this condition may occur on airplanes equipped in production with the large oxygen bottle installed on the right-hand side of the rear fuselage. To address the unsafe condition, the MCAI requires a one-time inspection of the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment point at frame 37, including the attachment parts, and modification of the installation of the VCCS. This condition, if not addressed, could, in the case of damage to the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled fire with damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–0421. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC–12 Service Bulletin 21–016, dated August 15, 2022, which specifies procedures for inspecting the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment point on the airframe at frame 37, including the attachment parts, modifying the installation of the VCCS compressor/ condenser power return cables, and installing an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable. This service bulletin also specifies contacting Pilatus if any damage is found. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES. FAA’s Determination These products have been approved by the aviation authority of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information described above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the MCAI, except as discussed under ‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.’’ Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI The MCAI requires contacting the manufacturer for approved corrective action instructions if any discrepancy is found during the inspection. This proposed AD would require contacting either the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Pilatus’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 8 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: E:\FR\FM\27FEP1.SGM 27FEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 38 / Monday, February 27, 2023 / Proposed Rules 12275 ESTIMATED COSTS Labor cost Parts cost Inspect ...................... Modify ....................... 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 .......................................... 5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425 .......................................... Not Applicable ......... 667 .......................... The repair instructions that may be needed as a result of the inspection could vary significantly from airplane to airplane. The FAA has no data to determine the costs to accomplish the repair or the number of airplanes that would need this repair. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS Cost per product Action The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. FAA–2023– 0421; Project Identifier MCAI–2022– 01360–A. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by April 13, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC–12, PC–12/45, PC–12/47, and PC– 12/47E airplanes, serial numbers 466, 467, 725, 861, 1032, 1052, 1082, 1115, 1232, 1411, 1428, 1439, 1530, 1541, 1663, 1725, and 1802, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2197, Air Conditioning System Wiring. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as insufficient grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system (VCCS) compressor/condenser. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could, in the case of damage to the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled fire with damage to the airplane, and injury to the occupants. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the power return and VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:44 Feb 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 $255 1,092 Cost on U.S. operators $2,040 8,736 chassis grounding cable attachment points at frame 37, including the attachment parts, for physical and heat damage, de-lamination, and corrosion in accordance with steps (2) through (6) of Section 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC– 12 Service Bulletin (SB) 21–016, dated August 15, 2022 (Pilatus PC–12 SB 21–016). (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, any physical or heat damage, de-lamination, or corrosion as identified in steps (2) through (6) of Section 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC–12 SB 21–016 is detected, before further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Pilatus’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (3) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power return cables and install an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable in accordance with Section 3.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC–12 SB 21–016. Where the service bulletin specifies discarding the stop angle, this AD requires removing the stop angle from service. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in § 39.19. In accordance with § 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD or email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@ faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (i) Additional Information (1) Refer to EASA AD 2022–0212, dated October 18, 2022, for related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–0421. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329–4059; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. E:\FR\FM\27FEP1.SGM 27FEP1 12276 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 38 / Monday, February 27, 2023 / Proposed Rules (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Pilatus PC–12 Service Bulletin 21–016, dated August 15, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support General Aviation, CH– 6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: techsupport.ch@pilatusaircraft.com; website: pilatus-aircraft.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on February 17, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–03924 Filed 2–24–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–0169; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00462–T] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD– 700–1A10, and BD–700–1A11 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:44 Feb 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 13, 2023. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–0169; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For Bombardier service information identified in this NPRM, contact Bombardier Business Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 Coˆte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Que´bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514–855–2999; email ac.yul@ aero.bombardier.com; website bombardier.com. • You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gabriel Kim, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7300; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@ faa.gov. DATES: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2023–0169; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00462–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Gabriel Kim, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516– 228–7300; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@ faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Transport Canada AD CF–2022– 15, dated April 7, 2022 (Transport Canada AD CF–2022–15) (also referred to after this as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD–700–1A10, and BD– 700–1A11 airplanes. The MCAI states that during a design review, it was discovered that three candidate certification maintenance requirements (CCMRs) which were dispositioned as maintenance review board report (MRBR) tasks had reached or exceeded the limit for escalation and that exceeding the CCMR limitations could result in unsafe conditions. The MCAI also states that Bombardier issued E:\FR\FM\27FEP1.SGM 27FEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 38 (Monday, February 27, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12273-12276]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03924]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0421; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01360-A]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-
12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an 
aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe 
condition as insufficient grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system 
(VCCS) compressor/condenser. This proposed AD would require inspecting 
the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at frame 
37, including the attachment parts, and depending on the inspection 
results, corrective action. This proposed AD would also require 
modifying the installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power 
return cables and installing an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground 
cable. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by April 13, 2023.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0421; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket

[[Page 12274]]

contains this NPRM, the MCAI, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this NPRM, contact 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support General Aviation, CH-6371 
Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: 
aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com; website: pilatus-aircraft.com.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; 
phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-0421; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-01360-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Doug 
Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft 
Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, MO 64106. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued 
EASA AD 2022-0212, dated October 18, 2022 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain serial-
numbered Pilatus Model PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E 
airplanes.
    The MCAI was prompted by a reported occurrence of a burning odor 
coming from the air conditioning vents during the climb phase of a 
Pilatus Model PC-12/47E airplane. An investigation identified that 
insufficient grounding of the VCCS compressor/condenser at frame 37 
resulted in severe heat damage to the baseplate and adjacent metal 
support structure. It was determined that this condition may occur on 
airplanes equipped in production with the large oxygen bottle installed 
on the right-hand side of the rear fuselage.
    To address the unsafe condition, the MCAI requires a one-time 
inspection of the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment 
point at frame 37, including the attachment parts, and modification of 
the installation of the VCCS.
    This condition, if not addressed, could, in the case of damage to 
the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled fire with damage to the 
airplane and injury to the occupants.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0421.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 21-016, dated 
August 15, 2022, which specifies procedures for inspecting the power 
return and chassis grounding cable attachment point on the airframe at 
frame 37, including the attachment parts, modifying the installation of 
the VCCS compressor/condenser power return cables, and installing an 
additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable. This service bulletin 
also specifies contacting Pilatus if any damage is found.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI and service information described above. The FAA is issuing 
this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the MCAI, except as discussed under ``Differences Between this 
Proposed AD and the MCAI.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI requires contacting the manufacturer for approved 
corrective action instructions if any discrepancy is found during the 
inspection. This proposed AD would require contacting either the 
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Pilatus's 
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 8 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

[[Page 12275]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect...........................  3 work-hours x $85     Not Applicable.......            $255          $2,040
                                     per hour = $255.
Modify............................  5 work-hours x $85     667..................           1,092           8,736
                                     per hour = $425.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The repair instructions that may be needed as a result of the 
inspection could vary significantly from airplane to airplane. The FAA 
has no data to determine the costs to accomplish the repair or the 
number of airplanes that would need this repair.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. FAA-2023-0421; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-01360-A.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by April 13, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12, PC-12/45, 
PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes, serial numbers 466, 467, 725, 
861, 1032, 1052, 1082, 1115, 1232, 1411, 1428, 1439, 1530, 1541, 
1663, 1725, and 1802, certificated in any category.

 (d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2197, Air 
Conditioning System Wiring.

 (e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as insufficient 
grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system (VCCS) compressor/
condenser. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could, in the case of damage to 
the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled fire with damage to 
the airplane, and injury to the occupants.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at 
frame 37, including the attachment parts, for physical and heat 
damage, de-lamination, and corrosion in accordance with steps (2) 
through (6) of Section 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in 
Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin (SB) 21-016, dated August 15, 2022 
(Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016).
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any physical or heat damage, de-lamination, or corrosion as 
identified in steps (2) through (6) of Section 3.B. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016 is detected, 
before further flight, repair using a method approved by the 
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; the European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Pilatus's EASA Design Organization 
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include 
the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power return 
cables and install an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable 
in accordance with Section 3.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions 
in Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016. Where the service bulletin specifies 
discarding the stop angle, this AD requires removing the stop angle 
from service.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in Sec.  39.19. In accordance with Sec.  39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, mail 
it to the address identified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD or email 
to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit 
information by email. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.

(i) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to EASA AD 2022-0212, dated October 18, 2022, for 
related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0421.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].

[[Page 12276]]

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 21-016, dated August 15, 
2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support General Aviation, CH-6371 
Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: 
aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com; website: pilatus-aircraft.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on February 17, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-03924 Filed 2-24-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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